AVP, Claims Technology

AVP, Claims Technology

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.

If you have experience managing Commercial Insurance IT platforms like Guidewire ClaimCenter and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for an AVP, Claims Technology who will be responsible for application management and delivery to drive Business Change and IT Application Strategy.

Reporting to the Head, IT Core Platforms, you will manage and control a portion of system development projects. You will take ownership by leading a team of talented business analysts and software developers, requiring a deep knowledge of working practices and business processes in one or more business areas. You will liaise with stakeholders, facilitate discussions, and oversee the development and delivery of critical claims technology solutions.

This is a hybrid role.

What you will do:

1. Define, communicate, and execute end-to-end Claims IT application strategy at the local or Line of Business level, ensuring alignment with the Business Division, Segment, or global function strategies.
2. Oversee the planning and management of the IT budget across multiple cost centers related to claims technology at a local or Line of Business level.
3. Proactively manage relationships with senior executives and key claims business partners.
4. Develop and implement claims-focused business solutions and project concepts with a moderate to high level of complexity.
5. Oversee demand planning and project portfolio alignment with claims technology needs at the local or Line of Business level.
6. Ensure local and global governance compliance, including claims system license management.
7. Represent IT in defining and delivering claims technology services and programs to the local business unit.
8. Manage internal and external claims-related IT delivery partners and ensure service performance meets expectations.
9. Lead a senior team of managers in delivering claims technology solutions.
10. Perform strategic HR management processes for your direct reports, fostering talent development.
11. Lead the execution of complex IT claims projects or workstreams as part of major change initiatives.
12. Ensure that claims technology is compliant with risk, governance, and disaster recovery protocols.
13. Contribute to long-term strategy for claims technology and develop processes that align with strategic business objectives.
14. Manage relationships with senior claims business stakeholders to identify service improvement opportunities.
15. Participate in IT leadership meetings, providing guidance on claims technology and driving change initiatives.
16. Influence senior leadership and ensure claims technology strategies align with business goals.

Job Qualifications

What you bring to the table:

Required:

1. Bachelor's Degree and 7+ years of experience in Information Technology related to Guidewire ClaimsCenter.
2. OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 9+ years of experience in Information Technology related to Guidewire.
3. OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice, including an associate degree and 7+ years of experience in Information Technology related to Guidewire.
4. AND Experience with IT development and maintenance.
5. Knowledge of IT standards and extensive ClaimsCenter experience.
6. People management experience.

Preferred:

1. Master's Degree.
2. Project Management Institute Project Management Professional certification.
3. Project management experience.
4. P&C Insurance or Financial Services experience.
5. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
6. Organizational and analytical skills.
7. Ability to lead in a team environment.
8. Vendor management experience.

Our Culture:

At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DEIB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.

We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.

We care about our employees’ well-being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.

We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.

We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.

We are committed to continuous improvement, and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.

We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi-line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 500 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in-depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at